10.30.2012

10.29.2012

Hurricane Sandy is barreling into New Jersey and the rest of the Mid-Atlantic seaboard with wind gusts of up to 70mph. After last year's snowpocalypse, I'm expecting the worst this time around and think that we'll lose power for a few days.

Yesterday, I was keeping calm and eating potato chips; today, I'm switching from savory to sweet and trying out cupcakes, cookies, and pop tarts. School is canceled for two days for The Kids and The Hubs' two offices are closed. While we still have power, I'm finishing this post, cooking a hot breakfast, then playing games with the kids while keeping one eye glued to The Weather Channel. I confess, I'm a little storm-obsessed.

For those of you out there also affected, best wishes for a safe weathering of the storm. Hope Hurricane Sandy moves in and out of this area quickly- a speedy hello and even faster goodbye.

10.26.2012

Yes, it's been a whole lot of bread baking here in New Jersey. I hope you're not breaded out, but bear with me just one more time. I promise I'll find something novel to bake next, maybe something pumpkiny?

This bread does differ from the previous posts in that it involves yeast. The smells of yeast bread proofing and baking are so appealing. I had all the ingredients on hand too— always a plus.

10.24.2012

Firsts. Whether it be in love or experiences, they always hold a special place in your heart.

This first — a banana bread recipe— was given to me by The Amazing Musician College Buddy. I loved it when she baked it and when I was a lucky recipient of a slice or two. Or three or four. For years, the recipe had been misplaced, but yesterday I found the scrap of paper I'd jotted it down on. With three spotty bananas waiting to be mashed and mixed, I embraced the opportunity and the memories.

10.11.2012

Here's another pumpkin recipe to add to your file. This recipe does not call for any milk, buttermilk or sour cream— thankfully, since I had none of the above in the house. Just some vegetable oil and water.

The Discerning Daughter tasted it and said that she wanted more spice and asked for this pumpkin bread recipe instead. I realized she was missing the cloves and ginger. So, add the spices you like, hold back on ones that you don't. If you want cloves and ginger here, ¼ teaspoon cloves and ½ teaspoon ginger is a good place to start. But whatever you do, definitely don't leave out the chocolate chips!